What is a dermal therapist? A complete guide to this in-demand career

Curious about a career in dermal therapy or just want to know more about what a dermal therapist does? The Australian beauty and skincare industry is thriving, with the cosmetic and personal care market projected to reach US$7.85 billion in 2025. So, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this career path. We’ll cover your top questions, including what is a dermal therapist and what does a dermal therapist do? 

Demand for skin treatments is growing, and so is the need for qualified, advanced dermal therapists. Whether you're considering a career change or upskilling, now is an exciting time to enter the industry.

What is a dermal therapist and what do they do?

A dermal therapist job description includes:

• Performing advanced skin treatments, including chemical peels, laser therapy, needling and microdermabrasion.
• Conducting skin analysis and consultations to address client concerns.
• Managing skin conditions like acne, rosacea, pigmentation and scarring.
• Providing pre- and post-cosmetic procedure care.
• Collaborating with dermatologists, cosmetic nurses and other healthcare professionals.
• Educating clients on skincare routines and recommending suitable products.

A key part of a dermal therapist’s role is consulting with clients to assess their skin concerns and goals. As qualified professionals, they need a comprehensive understanding of skin biology, conditions, and treatments to recommend safe and effective solutions tailored to each client. 

During consultations, dermal therapists conduct a thorough skin assessment, provide expert advice, and develop personalised treatment plans for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. They also help clients choose the right skincare products and provide guidance on post-treatment care to enhance results.

Where do dermal therapists work?

Dermal therapists have a variety of career paths open to them, including:

• Cosmetic clinics and medispas: providing laser treatments, skin needling, and skin rejuvenation.
• Plastic surgery centres: assisting with pre- and post-surgical skincare.
• Dermatology practices: treating medical skin concerns under a dermatologist’s guidance.
• Skin and laser clinics: performing laser hair removal, pigmentation correction, and acne treatments.
• Private practice: running their own dermal therapy business.
• Skincare product companies: working in product formulation, education, or sales.

There are also opportunities to specialise in anti-aging, acne management, laser treatments and cosmetic dermatology or progress into clinic management or business ownership.

“This job isn’t about vanity. It’s about helping people feel good in their skin and understand how to care for it.”
- Melissa Davey, AACDS Dermal Therapy graduate and beauty trainer.  

How dermal therapy is different

Many people ask how dermal therapists differ from other skin professionals. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Beauty therapists: focus on relaxation-based treatments like facials and basic skincare.
• Dermal clinicians: hold a university degree and work in a more clinical setting, sometimes alongside dermatologists.
• Cosmetic nurses: administer injectables or fillers, requiring a nursing qualification.
• Dermatologists: medical doctors who diagnose and treat skin diseases.

How to become a dermal therapist

To become a dermal therapist, you’ll need specialised training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) like AACDS, Australia’s leading provider of dermal therapy education.

We’ve outlined the key qualifications below, but for a deeper dive—including how long it takes and potential salary—read How to become a dermal therapist in Australia: Everything you need to know.

What qualifications does a dermal therapists need?

AACDS offers the gold standard in dermal therapy education with courses designed to meet industry demands:

• 52850WA - Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science – the highest qualification available in Dermal Therapies recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It is above a Bachelor's Degree level and open for enrolment to those who have a background in beauty or allied health. 
• 52854WA - Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science – developed for individuals who want to work as qualified dermal therapists in a cosmetic medical practice or dermal clinic but have no previous study or experience. 

Online study options are available, making it easier to balance study with work and life commitments.

Dermal therapist industry classifications

The industry classifies beauty therapists and dermal therapists under the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA). OSCA provides distinct classifications for Beauty Therapists and Dermal Therapists, aligned to specific skill levels and scopes of practice.

Dermal therapists are classified as Skill Level 2. AACDS’s Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science or the Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science will enable you to practice as a dermal therapist. Your scope of practice will then include advanced skin analyses, microdermabrasion, IPL, laser therapies and chemical peels for skin rejuvenation, age management, and pigmentation treatment.

Can a dermal therapist do injectables?

No, dermal therapists cannot administer injectables or fillers unless they complete further training. To perform cosmetic injectables, students can become a cosmetic nurse and complete the 52852WA - Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables.

Advancing technology and safety

Technology and the application of light-based cosmetic treatments are advancing quickly and shaping the future of skincare. Skilled dermal therapists now have access to cutting-edge technology that delivers real results, helping clients achieve healthier, more radiant skin.

Choosing a provider that puts safety first

With access to advanced treatments comes the responsibility of practising safely. Dermal therapists must follow strict protocols for laser safety training, infection control, and regulatory compliance to ensure client safety.

By studying with AACDS, you will gain the qualifications needed to meet licensing requirements in Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania. 

AACDS courses include HLTINF005 Maintain infection prevention for skin penetration treatments, required under the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Regulation 2016 in Queensland. 

From AACDS to career success: Melissa’s story

Melissa Davey’s story is familiar to many industry professionals. She started her career as a beauty therapist but soon wanted to expand her skills in laser and advanced skin treatments. When looking for dermal therapy courses, AACDS stood out as a clear winner. “They offered practical training, were quick to respond, and made the enrolment process really easy,” she says.

Throughout her dermal therapy course, Melissa discovered a passion for treatments like skin needling and chemical peels. Excited by the innovative technology and advanced treatments, she opened her first clinic, originally branded as Skindeep Dermal Clinic. This is where she put her skills to work and helped clients transform and rejuvenate their skin for five years before selling the business and moving on to new ventures interstate.

Now in her thriving career as a qualified beauty therapy trainer with Demi International, Melissa loves mentoring students. “The skincare career path isn’t about vanity. It’s about helping people feel good in their skin and understand how to care for it.” She believes lasting results come from a deep understanding of skin biology, products, ingredients, and treatments—something AACDS prepares students for.

For Melissa, the most rewarding part of her journey is seeing the boost in confidence that comes with skin transformation. “I’ve had clients tell me I changed their life—that’s an amazing feeling and a reminder of why quality training is so important,” she adds. 

Why study with AACDS?

As Australia’s leading dermal therapy training provider, AACDS is an RTO that sets the benchmark for dermal therapy training. As a student, you can expect:  

• Industry-leading curriculum designed in collaboration with skin professionals.
• Practical hands-on training at state-of-the-art facilities.
• Flexible online study options to fit around work and life commitments.
• Strong industry connections providing employment pathways.

“AACDS gave me the confidence and skills to launch my dream career in dermal therapy,” says Melissa.

Kickstart your dermal therapy career today

The demand for skilled dermal therapists is growing, making now the perfect time to enter this exciting field. With the right training, you can specialise in laser therapy, skin rejuvenation, and clinical treatments while helping clients feel confident in their skin.

To explore courses, start dates, payment options and enrolment eligibility, chat with our friendly Course Consultants today.

Start a conversation and download our Course Prospectus